5 Fun and Easy Recipes to Make with Kids at Christmas

Christmas is the perfect time to bring the family into the kitchen for some holiday magic. Cooking with kids not only sparks creativity but also creates memories that last a lifetime. Here are five fun and easy recipes to whip up with the little ones this holiday season.

Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats

What You’ll Need:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

• 3 tbsp butter

• 1 bag mini marshmallows

• Pretzels (for antlers)

• Chocolate chips (for eyes)

• Red M&Ms (for noses)

How to Make It:

1. Melt butter and marshmallows in a large pot over low heat.

2. Stir in Rice Krispies until fully coated.

3. Press the mixture into a greased baking pan and let it cool slightly.

4. Cut into rectangles and decorate with pretzel antlers, chocolate chip eyes, and red M&M noses to resemble reindeer.

   Kid-Friendly Tip: Let them get creative by making other animal faces too!

Christmas Tree Pizza

What You’ll Need:

• Pre-made pizza dough

• Pizza sauce

• Mozzarella cheese

• Green bell peppers (sliced thin for “garland”)

• Cherry tomatoes and pepperoni (for ornaments)

• Star-shaped cookie cutter

How to Make It:

1. Roll out the pizza dough and cut into triangle tree shapes.

2. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on each triangle.

3. Sprinkle with cheese and add green bell pepper slices as garland.

4. Use cherry tomatoes and pepperoni for ornaments.

5. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes or until golden.

   Kid-Friendly Tip: Provide other topping options like pineapple or mushrooms for more creative decorating.

Santa Hat Brownies

What You’ll Need:

• Brownie mix

• Fresh strawberries (hulled)

• Whipped cream or frosting

How to Make It:

1. Prepare the brownies according to the package and let them cool.

2. Cut into small circles using a cookie cutter or cup.

3. Place a strawberry on top of each brownie circle, pointed side up.

4. Add a dollop of whipped cream at the tip and around the base to resemble Santa’s hat.

Kid-Friendly Tip: Let the kids sprinkle powdered sugar “snow” on their snowman!

Holiday Popcorn Mix

Ingredients:

• Plain popcorn

• Red and green candy-coated chocolates

• Pretzel sticks

• Mini marshmallows

• White chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Pop the popcorn and let it cool slightly.

2. Melt the white chocolate and drizzle it over the popcorn.

3. Toss in candy-coated chocolates, pretzels, and marshmallows while the white chocolate is still warm.

4. Let it set for 15 minutes before enjoying.

Kid-Friendly Tip: Provide festive sprinkles for an extra colorful mix.

Gingerbread Cookie Ornaments

Ingredients:

• Pre-made gingerbread cookie dough

• Royal icing

• Assorted candies for decoration

• Ribbon or string

Instructions:

1. Roll out the dough and cut out gingerbread shapes using cookie cutters. Poke a small hole at the top of each cookie for threading the ribbon later.

2. Bake according to package instructions and let them cool.

3. Let the kids decorate with icing and candies.

4. Once dry, thread a ribbon through the hole, and hang the cookies on the tree or enjoy them as a treat.

Kid-Friendly Tip: Challenge the kids to make cookies that represent each family member!

Cooking with kids during Christmas is more than just making food; it’s about creating memories and teaching valuable skills. These recipes are easy to follow, require minimal prep, and guarantee plenty of giggles along the way. So put on some holiday music, grab the aprons, and let the festive fun begin!